The Churchville-Chili Central School District Unified Program has once again been named as a National Banner Unified Champion School by Special Olympics New York. This distinction marks the highest level of achievement for Unified Champion Schools in the nation, recognizing their leadership in creating inclusive school communities where all students are accepted and celebrated.
In Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools, students with and without disabilities play on the same sports teams and take physical education courses together. Students learn inclusive leadership skills and lead campaigns and activities that engage the entire school community to encourage and promote inclusion among their peers.
A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition is one that has demonstrated the highest commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence. The standards were developed by a panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community nationally. The primary activities within these standards include Special Olympics Unified Sports, Inclusive Youth Leadership, and Whole-School Engagement. To achieve banner status, Unified Champion Schools must also demonstrate that they are self-sustainable or have a plan in place to continue these activities in the future.
Despite the challenging years of COVID, the CCCSD Unified Sports program persevered while interscholastic sports and clubs were unable to meet, keeping the spirit of “training together and playing together” alive through unique programs like the Fit 5 Special Olympics NY virtual fitness challenge, with 17 students participating, and the Fall and Spring which saw 20 and 25 students registered, respectively. Additionally, Unified saw significant participation in 2021, reflecting the program’s commitment to inclusivity and resilience.
“As a program, we are thrilled to be nationally recognized as a Banner school,” says Youth Activation Coordinator and Unified Bowling Assistant Coach Sarah Wergin. “This award reflects the dedication and commitment of our players, partners, coaches, and community, all working together to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment. This is a significant team achievement, and our Unified teams have every reason to be proud of their accomplishments. I couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them!”
Statewide, 340 schools and nearly 5,000 Unified Athletes and nearly 5,000 Unified Partners play Unified. A long-term partnership with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) has led to additional rapid Unified growth in recent years. Special Olympics New York President & CEO Stacey Hengsterman announced 13 new schools were named National Banner Unified Champion Schools, in addition to nine additional schools renewing their status. These 13 new Banner Schools bring New York’s statewide total to 36.
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